What is a Stock Split

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Definition:

A stock split makes a company’s shares more affordable, keeping the company’s overall value the same while dividing its existing shares into a greater number of smaller, less expensive shares. (A reverse stock split does the opposite, combining shares to raise a company’s stock price.)

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🤔 Understanding a stock split

Stock splits (and reverse stock splits) are often about psychology. Their purpose is to make an individual stock cheaper (or more expensive) by adjusting the number of shares available. On paper, this doesn’t affect the company’s overall value, but it can help improve liquidity (aka the speed and ease with which someone can trade a stock), by making it easier for investors to trade shares.

In the case of a stock split, a company’s board of directors may determine that their shares appear too expensive to potential investors. So, the board might decide to cut the share price in half and double the number of shares outstanding. For each share you owned before the split, you’d receive two, proportionally less expensive shares after. (This would be a 2-for-1 split.) For a struggling company though, a reverse stock split might be useful — That is, combining shares to push the stock price higher. For instance, in a 1-for-4 reverse split, you would receive one, more expensive share for every 4 shares you owned before the reverse split.

Ultimately, for existing investors, the result is the same. The number of shares you own and their individual price may change, but stock splits (and reverse stock splits) don’t actually change the total value of your investment.

Example

Apple has a long history of stock splits. In fact, since the company went public in December 1980, its stock has split four separate times. In July 2020, the company announced that a fifth split would happen in August 2020 (more on that in a moment).

Slicing up Apple

  • June 16, 1987: 2-for-1 split
  • June 21, 2000: 2-for-1 split
  • Feb. 28, 2005: 2-for-1 split
  • June 9, 2014: 7-for-1 split

That means, if an investor kept their stock, someone who owned one share of Apple in Dec. 1980 would have 56 shares as of July 2020. However, with Apple’s continued growth and its stock trading near $400, the company announced yet another split (a 4-for-1), scheduled for the end of August 2020. The company expects its newly-split shares to begin trading on Aug. 31, 2020.

Takeaway

Yogi Berra nailed it...

Cut my pizza into 4 slices — I’m not hungry enough to eat 8. Hold up, Yogi! It doesn’t matter how you cut it, the pizza is still the same size! This captures the same effect of a stock split: The number of underlying shares (or slices) changes, but the company itself is no different because of the split. Unlike a pizza though, over time, a company might grow or shrink, for instance, as it explores new business lines or faces production difficulties. These shifts could influence whether the company pursues another split, or considers a reverse split.

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What’s a “reverse” stock split?

If companies that are doing well and have pricey shares pursue stock splits, then what do distressed companies do? Well, they can do the opposite. If a company is worried that its stock seems too cheap, it might consider a “reverse split” — That is, combining shares to raise its stock price. You might think of it like rolling together two smaller pieces of playdough into one larger ball. The amount of clay you have is exactly the same, but it’s now one bigger blob. Likewise, a company that goes through a reverse split has a smaller number of more expensive shares (but the underlying business is unchanged).

So, why do reverse splits happen? There are many possibilities. A company’s management team might think that their share price seems low compared to industry peers and competitors. They might even worry that a seemingly low-priced stock reflects poorly on their company’s potential. Another concern could be getting delisted from a stock exchange. Some exchanges, like the New York Stock Exchange, require a $1 per share minimum (and a company rarely wants to get kicked out of the club).

Regardless of whether you’re examining stock split, or a reverse stock split, here’s one thing to keep in mind: Ultimately, the market value of a publicly traded company is measured by its market capitalization, which is stock price multiplied by the number of shares outstanding.

What’s a real-life example of a reverse stock split?

Blue Apron, the meal-kit pioneer, is an example of a company that went through a reverse stock split. In June 2019, its shares fell below $1, trading at about $0.55 apiece. That was cheap. Too cheap, if you asked the Blue Apron Board of Directors. In fact, it was so cheap that the New York Stock Exchange, where those shares were listed, warned Blue Apron that if its stock price didn’t rise above $1 soon, it might be delisted. If that happened, then Blue Apron stock would have been relegated to the less accessible (and less prestigious) “over-the-counter” markets.

So, Blue Apron’s Board of Directors approved a 1-for-15 reverse stock split and publicly announced the news (Source: Blue Apron Investor Relations, June 13, 2019).

Bear in mind, if a company resorts to a reverse stock split to increase its share price, it’s often a concerning signal to investors. So, after a reverse stock split, it’s not uncommon for shares to trade lower because of persistent worries about the company’s future.

So what’s the difference between stock split and a reverse stock split?

Here’s how the processes differ.

Stock split

  • A company wants a lower stock price so its shares are more affordable to investors.
  • So, the company splits its shares. To cut the share price in half, it would pursue a “2-for-1” or “2:1” stock split. Shares could split into even smaller pieces. To reduce the share price to one-eighth, for example, a company could pursue a “8-for-1” or “8:1” stock split.
  • A 2-for-1 split doubles the number of shares. An 8-for-1 stock split multiples the number of shares by 8.
  • The total value of the company doesn’t change — It’s the same pizza, which has been cut into smaller slices.

Reverse stock split

  • A company wants a higher stock price so that it doesn’t get delisted from an exchange.
  • So, the company combines shares in a reverse stock split. To double the stock price, it would pursue a “1-for-2” or “1:2” reverse stock split. To increase the stock price by a multiple of six it would do a “1-for-6” or “1:6” reverse stock split.
  • A 1-for-2 reverse stock split halves the number of shares. A 6-for-1 reverse stock split reduces the overall number of shares by a factor of six.
  • The total value of the company doesn’t change — It’s just a pizza that’s been cut up into fewer slices.

Who approves a stock split?

A public company’s board. Since stock splits and a reverse stock splits are corporate actions, they usually require the approval of the board of directors. Typically, the board is comprised of 8 to 12 individuals who have been elected to represent shareholder interests. Just as we saw with Blue Apron’s reverse stock split, the board is responsible for voting on whether a split should occur, factoring in whether it’s beneficial for shareholders. Once the vote is held and a date and ratio are chosen for the split, the company announces its plan.

What are some common stock splits?

There are plenty of ratios a board can choose from when they pursue a stock split. Some possible stock splits are 2-for-1, 3-for-1, and even 3-for-2. Reverse stock splits follow a similar pattern, except in reverse (i.e., 1-for-2, 1-for-3, or 2-for-3). You might also see them written with colons, like 2:1 or 1:2.

But there is one real-world difference to keep in mind. Since reverse stock splits often aim to raise a stock’s price , they often use larger numbers. For example, you may come across 1-for-7 reverse splits, or even 1-for-15 (as we saw with Blue Apron).

More dramatic splits and reverse splits also have the benefit of longevity. The bigger the split, the less likely it is that you’ll need to engage in another split sometime in the future.

How are investors affected by a split?

This is the fascinating element about stock splits and reverse stock splits — They barely affect existing investors. This corporate action is more of a psychological game the company plays with potential future investors who might be concerned about the stock’s price. Because a stock split or reverse stock split changes the number of shares and the price of the shares in an inverse proportion, the overall value of the company stays the same.

Need help with a stock split? Check out our Help Center.

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Sign up for Robinhood and get stock on us.Certain limitations apply

New customers need to sign up, get approved, and link their bank account. The cash value of the stock rewards may not be withdrawn for 30 days after the reward is claimed. Stock rewards not claimed within 60 days may expire. See full terms and conditions at rbnhd.co/freestock. Securities trading is offered through Robinhood Financial LLC.

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This information is educational, and is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. This information is not a recommendation to buy, hold, or sell an investment or financial product, or take any action. This information is neither individualized nor a research report, and must not serve as the basis for any investment decision. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of capital. Past performance does not guarantee future results or returns. Before making decisions with legal, tax, or accounting effects, you should consult appropriate professionals. Information is from sources deemed reliable on the date of publication, but Robinhood does not guarantee its accuracy.

Options trading entails significant risk and is not appropriate for all customers. Customers must read and understand the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before engaging in any options trading strategies. Options transactions are often complex and may involve the potential of losing the entire investment in a relatively short period of time. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk, including the potential for losses that may exceed the original investment amount.

Commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs and options refers to $0 commissions for Robinhood Financial self-directed individual cash or margin brokerage accounts that trade U.S. listed securities and certain OTC securities electronically. Keep in mind, other fees such as trading (non-commission) fees, Gold subscription fees, wire transfer fees, and paper statement fees may apply to your brokerage account. Check out Robinhood Financial’s Fee Schedule for details.

Brokerage services are offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, (RHF) a registered broker dealer (member SIPC) and clearing services through Robinhood Securities, LLC, (RHS) a registered broker dealer (member SIPC). Cryptocurrency services are offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (RHC) (NMLS ID: 1702840). Robinhood Crypto is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. The Robinhood spending account is offered through Robinhood Money, LLC (RHY) (NMLS ID: 1990968), a licensed money transmitter. A list of our licenses has more information. The Robinhood Cash Card is a prepaid card issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard®. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. RHF, RHY, RHC and RHS are affiliated entities and wholly owned subsidiaries of Robinhood Markets, Inc. RHF, RHY, RHC and RHS are not banks. Products offered by RHF are not FDIC insured and involve risk, including possible loss of principal. RHC is not a member of FINRA and accounts are not FDIC insured or protected by SIPC. RHY is not a member of FINRA, and products are not subject to SIPC protection, but funds held in the Robinhood spending account and Robinhood Cash Card account may be eligible for FDIC pass-through insurance (review the Robinhood Cash Card Agreement and the Robinhood Spending Account Agreement).

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